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Updated: May 23, 2026

Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions
Published on: October 10, 2016
Nanoaggregates of biodegradable amphiphilic random polycations for delivering water-insoluble drugs
Benjamin Nottelet1, Manuela Patterer, Benjamin François
1Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules (IBMM), Artificial Biopolymers Group, UMR CNRS 5247 University of Montpellier 1, University of Montpellier 2, Faculty of Pharmacy, 15 Av. C. Flahault, Montpellier, 34093, France. benjamin.nottelet@univ-montp1.fr
Abstract:
Cationic amphiphilic random copolyesters were obtained by copolymerization of 5-Z-amino-δ-valerolactone and ε-caprolactone. The amino content of the final copolymers was controlled by the polymerization feed ratio and was in the range 10 to 100%. Copolymers solubility and aggregation behavior was assessed by conductometric and zeta potential analyses. A critical aggregation concentration of ca. 0.05% (w/v) was found for all water-soluble copolymers that formed nanoaggregates. Two populations were found to be present in equilibrium with hydrodynamic diameters in the range of 30-50 and 100-250 nm. The capacity to use the amphiphilic and cationic character of the nanoaggregates to encapsulate highly hydrophobic compounds was further investigated. Finally, copolymers hemo- and cytocompatibility were evaluated by hemagglutination, hemolysis, and cells proliferation tests. The results showed that the proposed cationic amphiphilic random copolyesters are biocompatible.
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